Quick Overview
- 1#1: Square - All-in-one POS system offering payment processing, inventory management, and sales analytics for small businesses.
- 2#2: Toast - Restaurant-focused POS with online ordering, kitchen display, and payroll integration.
- 3#3: Shopify POS - Seamless POS for retail syncing with e-commerce inventory, sales, and multi-channel management.
- 4#4: Lightspeed Retail - Cloud-based retail POS with advanced inventory, CRM, and multi-location support.
- 5#5: Clover - Flexible POS hardware and software for payments, apps marketplace, and business management.
- 6#6: Revel Systems - iPad-based POS for retail and restaurants with real-time reporting and integrations.
- 7#7: TouchBistro - iPad POS tailored for restaurants with floor plans, menus, and staff management.
- 8#8: Epos Now - Customizable cloud POS for retail and hospitality with e-commerce and loyalty features.
- 9#9: Lavu - Mobile POS for restaurants offering table management, online ordering, and reporting.
- 10#10: SpotOn - Full-service POS with payments, marketing tools, and hardware for various industries.
We rigorously selected and ranked these tools based on key factors: feature comprehensiveness, user experience, performance reliability, and overall value, ensuring they cater to the diverse demands of small to medium enterprises across industries.
Comparison Table
Selecting the right POS software is vital for optimizing transactions and business management, and this comparison table details leading tools such as Square, Toast, Shopify POS, Lightspeed Retail, and Clover. Readers will gain insights into features, pricing, and unique capabilities to find the best fit for their specific operational needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Square All-in-one POS system offering payment processing, inventory management, and sales analytics for small businesses. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 2 | Toast Restaurant-focused POS with online ordering, kitchen display, and payroll integration. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | Shopify POS Seamless POS for retail syncing with e-commerce inventory, sales, and multi-channel management. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 4 | Lightspeed Retail Cloud-based retail POS with advanced inventory, CRM, and multi-location support. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Clover Flexible POS hardware and software for payments, apps marketplace, and business management. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Revel Systems iPad-based POS for retail and restaurants with real-time reporting and integrations. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | TouchBistro iPad POS tailored for restaurants with floor plans, menus, and staff management. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Epos Now Customizable cloud POS for retail and hospitality with e-commerce and loyalty features. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 9 | Lavu Mobile POS for restaurants offering table management, online ordering, and reporting. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 10 | SpotOn Full-service POS with payments, marketing tools, and hardware for various industries. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.4/10 |
All-in-one POS system offering payment processing, inventory management, and sales analytics for small businesses.
Restaurant-focused POS with online ordering, kitchen display, and payroll integration.
Seamless POS for retail syncing with e-commerce inventory, sales, and multi-channel management.
Cloud-based retail POS with advanced inventory, CRM, and multi-location support.
Flexible POS hardware and software for payments, apps marketplace, and business management.
iPad-based POS for retail and restaurants with real-time reporting and integrations.
iPad POS tailored for restaurants with floor plans, menus, and staff management.
Customizable cloud POS for retail and hospitality with e-commerce and loyalty features.
Mobile POS for restaurants offering table management, online ordering, and reporting.
Full-service POS with payments, marketing tools, and hardware for various industries.
Square
specializedAll-in-one POS system offering payment processing, inventory management, and sales analytics for small businesses.
Completely free POS software with no subscription required, charging only per transaction for instant accessibility.
Square is a leading point-of-sale (POS) software solution tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, providing free, cloud-based tools for processing payments, managing inventory, tracking sales, and handling customer data. It supports in-person, online, and mobile transactions through affordable hardware like card readers and registers, with seamless integrations for e-commerce, appointments, and payroll. As an all-in-one platform, Square enables businesses to start selling immediately without monthly software fees, scaling as needs grow.
Pros
- Free POS software with no monthly fees or contracts
- Exceptionally intuitive interface and quick setup on any device
- Comprehensive ecosystem including hardware, online store, and analytics
Cons
- Transaction fees can accumulate for high-volume sellers (2.6% + 10¢ per swipe)
- Advanced reporting and customization limited compared to enterprise solutions
- Customer support primarily email/chat, with phone for paid plans only
Best For
Small businesses, retailers, restaurants, and service providers seeking an affordable, user-friendly POS with minimal upfront costs.
Pricing
Core POS software is free; transaction fees start at 2.6% + 10¢ (in-person), 2.9% + 30¢ (online); add-ons like Square for Retail ($60/mo) or Payroll ($35/mo + $6/employee).
Toast
enterpriseRestaurant-focused POS with online ordering, kitchen display, and payroll integration.
Integrated online ordering and delivery management that syncs directly with the POS for real-time order fulfillment and revenue tracking
Toast is a comprehensive cloud-based POS system designed specifically for restaurants, handling everything from front-of-house order taking and payments to back-of-house inventory, scheduling, and reporting. It offers seamless integrations with popular delivery services like Uber Eats and DoorDash, plus built-in online ordering and loyalty programs to drive revenue. With mobile-friendly hardware and real-time analytics, Toast empowers restaurant operators to manage multiple locations efficiently.
Pros
- All-in-one platform covering POS, payments, payroll, and marketing
- Robust integrations with delivery and third-party apps
- Reliable hardware ecosystem with offline functionality
Cons
- Higher upfront hardware costs and subscription fees
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Limited flexibility outside Toast's ecosystem
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise-level restaurants needing a scalable, feature-rich POS with strong online ordering capabilities.
Pricing
Custom pricing starts at ~$165/month per location plus hardware (~$1,000+ upfront) and 2.49% + $0.15 per transaction processing fees.
Shopify POS
specializedSeamless POS for retail syncing with e-commerce inventory, sales, and multi-channel management.
Effortless omnichannel synchronization that unifies inventory, orders, and customer data between online and physical stores in real-time.
Shopify POS is a comprehensive point-of-sale system that integrates seamlessly with Shopify's e-commerce platform, enabling merchants to manage in-person sales alongside online operations. It supports hardware like card readers, terminals, and receipt printers, while offering real-time inventory synchronization, customer data unification, and multi-location capabilities. Ideal for retail businesses scaling from online to physical stores, it processes payments via major providers and taps into Shopify's vast app ecosystem for customization.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Shopify online store for omnichannel selling
- Real-time inventory and sales syncing across locations
- Extensive hardware compatibility and app marketplace for expansions
Cons
- Requires a paid Shopify subscription for full access
- Advanced POS Pro features incur additional per-location fees
- Reporting and analytics are more robust in higher-tier plans
Best For
Retailers with an existing Shopify online store seeking unified online and in-person sales management.
Pricing
POS Lite is free with any Shopify plan (Basic $29/mo, Shopify $105/mo, Advanced $399/mo); POS Pro adds $89 per location/month; hardware sold separately.
Lightspeed Retail
enterpriseCloud-based retail POS with advanced inventory, CRM, and multi-location support.
Real-time omnichannel inventory synchronization that prevents overselling across physical stores and online channels
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system designed specifically for retail businesses, offering robust tools for processing sales, managing inventory across multiple locations, and handling customer data. It excels in omnichannel retailing by integrating seamlessly with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce, ensuring real-time synchronization of stock levels between online and in-store sales. The platform also provides advanced reporting, analytics, and loyalty program features to drive business growth and customer retention.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory management with real-time tracking and multi-location support
- Strong omnichannel integration for unified online and in-store operations
- Detailed analytics and customizable reporting dashboards
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can be expensive for very small retailers
- Some advanced features require additional add-ons or modules
- Occasional performance issues during peak sales periods
Best For
Mid-sized to large retail businesses with multiple locations seeking integrated POS, inventory, and e-commerce solutions.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per register for Lean plan (billed annually), with Standard at $109/month, Advanced at $159/month, and custom Enterprise pricing; additional fees for hardware and add-ons.
Clover
specializedFlexible POS hardware and software for payments, apps marketplace, and business management.
App Marketplace with over 500 third-party apps for industry-specific customizations
Clover is a comprehensive point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, providing cloud-based software integrated with proprietary hardware for processing payments, inventory management, sales tracking, and employee scheduling. It supports retail, restaurants, and service industries through customizable apps from its marketplace, enabling features like loyalty programs, online ordering, and e-commerce integrations. Clover emphasizes mobility and flexibility with devices ranging from countertop stations to handheld terminals.
Pros
- Extensive app marketplace for customization and integrations
- Versatile hardware options including mobile and countertop devices
- Seamless payment processing with contactless and EMV support
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs (starting around $500)
- Processing fees can be higher than some competitors (2.3%-2.6% + $0.10)
- Customer support response times vary and can be inconsistent
Best For
Small to medium retail or restaurant owners seeking flexible, app-customizable POS hardware without needing extensive IT expertise.
Pricing
Software plans start at $14.95/month (Register) to $99.85/month (Station Pro) per device, plus hardware from $499-$1,699 and processing fees of 2.3%-2.6% + $0.10 per transaction; custom enterprise pricing available.
Revel Systems
specializediPad-based POS for retail and restaurants with real-time reporting and integrations.
Advanced kitchen display system (KDS) for streamlined order routing and fulfillment in high-volume food service environments
Revel Systems is a cloud-based POS solution tailored for restaurants, cafes, and retail businesses, offering comprehensive tools for sales processing, inventory management, and customer engagement. It supports iPad hardware for a mobile-first experience, with features like kitchen display systems, employee management, and real-time reporting across multiple locations. The platform emphasizes scalability for growing operations while integrating with over 100 third-party apps.
Pros
- Robust restaurant-specific features like kitchen display and table management
- Extensive third-party integrations for payments and loyalty programs
- Cloud-based real-time analytics and multi-location support
Cons
- Higher pricing with add-on fees that can add up quickly
- Reliance on Apple iPad hardware limits flexibility
- Occasional reports of customer support delays
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and quick-service outlets seeking a scalable, mobile POS with strong back-of-house tools.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for Core plan per location (plus hardware); higher tiers like Pro ($149+) and Enterprise include advanced features; pay-per-use add-ons extra.
TouchBistro
specializediPad POS tailored for restaurants with floor plans, menus, and staff management.
Visual floor plan and drag-and-drop table management for real-time service oversight
TouchBistro is a cloud-connected, iPad-based POS system designed specifically for restaurants, bars, and hospitality venues, handling front-of-house tasks like order entry, table management, and payments alongside back-of-house functions such as inventory tracking and staff scheduling. It offers offline capabilities with automatic syncing, kitchen display systems, and integrations with third-party services like delivery apps and payroll providers. Advanced analytics through Spotlight provide real-time insights into sales, labor costs, and menu performance to optimize operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive restaurant-specific tools including visual floor plans and table management
- Reliable offline mode with seamless cloud sync
- Robust reporting and integrations with popular restaurant apps
Cons
- Higher cost structure with mandatory hardware purchases
- Limited to iOS devices, reducing hardware flexibility
- Customization options can feel restrictive for complex needs
Best For
Full-service restaurants and bars needing specialized table service and inventory management without IT overhead.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal for Starter plan (billed annually), scaling to $199+ for Pro/Enterprise; hardware and processing fees extra.
Epos Now
enterpriseCustomizable cloud POS for retail and hospitality with e-commerce and loyalty features.
Expansive app store with 100+ third-party integrations for effortless customization without coding.
Epos Now is a cloud-based POS system tailored for retail, hospitality, and service industries, offering seamless transaction processing, inventory management, and customer relationship tools. It supports a wide array of hardware options and features an extensive app marketplace for custom integrations like accounting, delivery, and loyalty programs. The platform provides real-time reporting and multi-location management, making it scalable for growing businesses.
Pros
- Vast app marketplace with over 100 integrations for tailored functionality
- Robust inventory and multi-location management capabilities
- Reliable cloud-based access with strong reporting analytics
Cons
- Higher pricing can strain very small businesses
- Occasional customer support delays reported by users
- Initial setup may require some technical familiarity
Best For
Small to medium-sized retail and hospitality businesses seeking a highly customizable and scalable POS system.
Pricing
Starts at £25/month per device for software (billed annually), plus one-time hardware costs from £399; custom enterprise plans available.
Lavu
specializedMobile POS for restaurants offering table management, online ordering, and reporting.
Tableside ordering via iPad, enabling servers to process orders, payments, and upsells directly at the customer's table
Lavu is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system designed specifically for restaurants, offering mobile-first capabilities on iPads and iPhones for tableside ordering and payment processing. It includes features like inventory management, employee scheduling, customer loyalty programs, online ordering, and kitchen display systems. The platform emphasizes mobility and efficiency for quick-service and full-service establishments, with seamless integrations for delivery apps and accounting software.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile interface ideal for on-the-go restaurant operations
- Robust restaurant-specific tools like kitchen displays and loyalty programs
- Competitive pricing with scalable plans
Cons
- Limited to iOS devices, excluding Android users
- Reporting and analytics not as advanced as top competitors
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Small to medium-sized restaurants seeking an affordable, mobile POS for efficient tableside service.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal for Express plan; Pro at $119/month and Ultimate at $199/month, with annual discounts available.
SpotOn
enterpriseFull-service POS with payments, marketing tools, and hardware for various industries.
Automated PO creation triggered by real-time inventory thresholds and sales forecasting
SpotOn is a comprehensive POS and business management platform tailored for restaurants, retail, and hospitality, with robust purchase order (PO) functionality integrated into its inventory system. It allows users to create, approve, track, and receive POs seamlessly, with automated reorder suggestions based on real-time stock levels and sales data. The tool streamlines vendor management and procurement, syncing directly with POS sales and accounting integrations like QuickBooks.
Pros
- Seamless integration with POS and inventory for automated PO generation
- Real-time tracking and vendor portals for efficient procurement
- Strong mobile app support for on-the-go order management
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small operations due to per-location fees
- Steeper learning curve for non-POS users
- Limited standalone PO customization outside the SpotOn ecosystem
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and retail businesses needing integrated PO tools within a full POS system.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $99/month per location plus processing fees (2.6%+10¢ per transaction) and optional hardware leases.
Conclusion
The top 10 POS software tools offer diverse solutions, but Square stands out as the best choice, excelling in versatility for small businesses. Toast and Shopify POS follow closely, with Toast being ideal for restaurants and Shopify perfect for retail and e-commerce syncing, making them strong alternatives for specific needs.
Ready to streamline your operations? Try Square first to experience its all-in-one power—you won’t be disappointed.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
